Judge: No new trial for Somali American terror suspect

PORTLAND (AP) — A federal judge in Oregon on Monday rejected a defense request for a new trial for a young Somali American convicted in a terrorism case, finding that no serious miscarriage of justice occurred during his trial.

U.S. District Judge Garr King ruled on motions filed by lawyers for 21-year-old Mohamed Mohamud. The judge also rejected a defense motion to acquit the young man.

On Jan. 31, jurors found Mohamud guilty of attempting to detonate a bomb at Portland’s 2010 Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. The bomb was a fake, provided by government agents posing as terrorists.

“I conclude that no serious miscarriage of justice occurred during the trial, even when I view the issues raised by the defense cumulatively,” King said.

Mohamud’s chief lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment. The Oregonian reports that the defense team argued points expected to be raised on appeal after Mohamud’s sentencing. The defense contends the young man was entrapped.